TIL that all some UNIX based systems have a Y2K38 superbug in which the number of seconds that have elapsed since the Unix epoch began (Jan 1, 1970) are stored as a signed 32-bit integer which maxes out on March 14, 2038.

I suppose Proton Calendar is just using a generically premature cutoff because reasons. Unfortunately experts report no known solution to this problem and we will very likely be without computers after this date.

Edit: The recent discovery of signed 64-bit integers (as published in PNAS) will now allow us to kick the can down the street an additional 292 billion years until overflow. Unfortunately, this only delays this apocalyptic problem for a mere 21 times the age of the universe.

  • A_Random_Idiot@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    2 hours ago

    Can we change the integer to an 8bit one, so we can get the apocalypse over with already? I’m tired of being doomedged.

    • qualia@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      edit-2
      2 hours ago

      But when the 8-bit rolls over you get the Genesis.

      Speaking of 8-bit: a good website for the original NES would’ve been fami.com

  • TransNeko@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    4 hours ago

    Sorry but I am unavailable for the event “End of the World” on January 1st, 2028. I am however free anytime in the next year. lets light this roman candle already.

  • snoons@lemmy.ca
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    7 hours ago

    Goddamit. I was about to think about starting to learn how to become immortal and save the universe from it’s entropic demise but it’s pointless now.

    • qualia@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      3 hours ago

      Agreed, we just have to move universe escape to the top of our priorities. Then immortality. Then dementia (getting dementia, that is).

    • nymnympseudonym@piefed.social
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      2 hours ago

      Seriously though the problem is the hundreds of millions of embedded devices that never get updated and people forget they even exist until they stop working.

      In 1999 I spent 2 months prepping a major enterprise system for Y2K. It was easy because it was centralized.

      But to replace every embedded controller in traffic light and train junction and …

      … yeah better start now

    • qualia@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      10 hours ago

      I hear you. Although since the 32-bit integer is signed we do need both binary charges to be distinct. So I reckon they’re calling themselves Proton in the sense of what cool kids call a hydrogen atom.

      Germanium and gadolinium each have atomic numbers of 32 and 64, however neither of them can exist as +1 or -1 ions so I have no fucking idea why they chose 32-bits if they’re called a damn Proton.

      They likely know something quantitative about gluons or dark matter that they’re not sharing yet. #️⃣ 💩📨